“Today I’m participating in a mass blogging! WOW! Women On Writing has gathered a group of blogging buddies to write about family relationships. Why family relationships? We’re celebrating the release of Therese Walsh’s debut novel today. The Last Will of Moira Leahy, (Random House, October 13, 2009) is about a mysterious journey that helps a woman learn more about herself and her twin, whom she lost when they were teenagers. Visit The Muffin (http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/blog.html) to read what Therese has to say about family relationships and view the list of all my blogging buddies. And make sure you visit Therese’s website (http://www.theresewalsh.com) to find out more about the author.”

(An Exclusive interview & Book giveaway with Therese Walsh will be held here on October 27.)

Brothers and Sister

by: Mary Jo Campbell

Tensions were high. We were dressed in our “fancy” clothes and sitting in a church. On a Friday night. Would they make us go to confession? Sweet Jesus, I’m not sure I remember how.

Should the groom’s parents walk him down?

Is her mother giving her away?

Will the two ring bearers stand at the altar through the entire mass?

“Mar-widge…is what bwings us to-geter…today.”

My brother Ken lets out his best movie voice, impersonating Billy Crystal’s character in The Princess Bride. Jeannie and I crack up. Donny looks confused. Pat just smirks, then scowls and straightens up, trying to be serious. He’s getting married tomorrow.

We all have our roles to play.

I, being the oldest of five, was the obedient, responsible one. Pat was the hell-raiser. Ken the scholar. Donny, the sweet and silly shadow. Jeannie, the baby, the observer.

There’s still a bit of our old “skin” in place when we’re together. Though it’s more fitting in the presence of Mom and Dad. What they expect of us, maybe?

We know things they don’t know. We know how to poke, prod and lightly scar each other. We also know how to speak in our sibling tongue. Handshakes, looks and familiar phrases can turn a gloomy moment into a burst of laughter.

How do you sum up the quirks and comfort of brothers and sisters in a blog post? You don’t.

My brother was a bit of a hellraiser too. I remember pot plants on the windowsill of his bedroom and pin up poster wallpaper.
You should see the look on his face when his sisters bring up his old antics in front of his teenagers. He wants them to only know him as Mr. Conservative, so of course we bring up his colored past every chance we get.